Kriegsberichter: Photo Archive

Kampfgruppe Movies & Educational Work

Kampfgruppe Handbook: Awards, etc.


Kampfgruppe Haase: Enlistment Guidelines
If you're interested in joining the Kampfgruppe, new recruit, read on:


SECTION A: Kampfgruppe Haase: Origins
Kampfgruppe Haase began as Kapfgruppe Norden and with the passing of Grenadier Sylvester Haase, on 14 February 2003, the Unterführern and Mannschaften voted unanimously to commemorate Grenadier Haase by dedicating the Kampfgruppe in his name. The HKG will allow modification and simplification while retaining the highest possible degree of individual and unit authenticity.

SECTION B: Kampfgruppe Haase Reenactment Policies

Safety Regulations
Due to the nature of our activity, it should be obvious that there is always the potential for a participant to be injured at an event. With this in mind, Kampfgruppe Haase will have to establish a comprehensive list of policies to minimize this possibility of injury. It is therefore the responsibility of each Kampfgruppe Haase member to prohibit others from committing unsafe acts. If a warning is ignored, the violation must be reported, to preclude injury to others.

Kampfgruppe Haase Field Safety Regulations:

  1. All sponsoring groups are required to appoint a safety officer to represent EACH side at an event where blank ammunition and/or pyrotechnics are used. These officers must be registred with the organizer(s) or official(s) prior to the respective event. These may be permanent appointments at the HKG's discretion.
  2.  All participants must be a member of a recognized unit or a unit-forming. Note that if a unit-forming has less than five members present at said event, they must attach themselves to another group willing to vouch for their safe conduct.
  3. All commanders must be over 21 years of age and agree to be responsible for safety of their unit. "Freelancing" (serving without proper unit affiliation) is ground for dismissal.
  4. All motor vehicles participating in an event must be driven by a licensed driver in a sensible manner.
  5. Any vehicle being driven off-road must be preceded by a ground guide to avoid personnel hiding in surrounding foilage.
  6. Absolutely NO ignitable devices are to be thrown at or near any motor vehicle.
  7. All battles involving possession of one or more buildings (Bunker Battles) must be under control of one or more neutral observers with the authority to stop all activity. Appointment may be made on-site. At events where umpires are utlized, their decisions are to be respected and final.
  8. No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed at the event in violation of local ordinance.
  9. No weapon is to be discharged at a person at less than 20 metres nor discharged above or behind the heads of personnel.
  10. All pyrotechnics must be approved by the safety committee prior to start of any event.
  11. No horizontally fired projctiles (less then 45 degrees) are permitted.
  12. All vertically fired projectiles must have approved frangible warheads and not weigh over 12 ounces.
  13. No live ammunition is to be brought to an event. Violation of the rule results in dismissal of the offender from the Kampfgruppe.
  14. Wood tipped blanks may only be used by automatic weapons equipped with a shredder.
  15. Affixed bayonets are expressly forbidden.
  16. The use of metal-bodied parachute flares, artillery simulators, or other high explosive simulators are forbidden at all events. This type may be used at staged spectator events under the total supervision of the safety officer provided the devices are detonated only in a controlled area.
  17.  In the case of an injury during an event, all action will immediately stop. Refusal to obey the decision of the safety officer will result in a report filed with the HKG who will submit a request to the Board of Directors for the dismissal from the Kampfgruppe.
  18. All Safety Regulations must be followed, especially if we are sharing the event with other groups.
  19. At each event, Kampfgruppe Haase will conduct a safety inspection of all participants, prior to moving into the  field. All ammo pouches, magazines, and weapons will be checked for live ammo and dangerous pyrotechnics. Personnel with medical problems will alert their leaders and peers before moving into the field,  and wear appropriate I.D.tags and/or carry appropriate medication(s).
  20. Kampfgruppe Haase may be subject to safety inspection by the host(s) or management of any event or display.
  21. Do not drink from local streams or waters.
  22. No weapon will be loaded prior to intering the field. Once in the field, command will be given to load. Weapons will be unloaded when embarking or disembarking from vehicles.

Kampfgruppe Haase Camp Safety Regulations:

  1. Camp fires only if approved. Then NEVER left un-attended and must be extinguished completely. In the case of a grass fire, all action ceases to extinguish it.
  2. Keep lanterns, stoves and candles away from tentage or other flammable material.
  3. All vehicles at camp site shall have ground guides.
  4. Alcohol is discouraged and at some events prohibited.
  5. The use or posession of illegal DRUGS is VERBOTEN, grounds for immediate dismissal!

Heat Injury Prevention
Wear light clothing. Keep a full canteen. Rest frequently. Carry only what's necessary. Eat light.

Cold Weather Safety
Wear several layers of clothing. Bring extra socks. Bring a scarf or toque.

 Reporting/Dismissal from Events

  1. Always register with the sponsoring unit first and pay the gate fee.
  2. Report to your respective Gruppenfuhrer or if unavailable, the Kampfgruppe Haase highest rank at the site.
  3. Reporting in uniform (0730/82) is MANDATORY. Unterführern will initiate disciplinary action for uniform violations.
  4. Personnel with vehicles will report to the Zugtruppführer.
  5. DO NOT leave your unit without permission! Proper Military protocal dictates that any unit members should politely request from the Kommandeur, permission to be dismissed.




SECTION C: Kampfgruppe Haase Haircut and Facial Hair Policy
A haircut style of the 1940's will be required. It consists of a proper trim around the ear and tapered on the area behind the ears. The hair line may not extend below the upper edge of the collar of the service shirt.

haircut photo

  1. Mustaches, beards and sideburns are not authorized.
  2. Hair will not touch the ears or the top of the tunic collar.



SECTION D: Kampfgruppe Rank Structure
In keeping with an authentic portrayal of the Wehrmacht Heer, Luftwaffe or Waffen-SS, Kampfgruppe Haase uses the original rank structure.

Along with promotions come increased responsibilities. Participation, leadership skills, administration abilities, knowledge, weaponry, and dedication are attributes, which determine potential for promotion; if positions are organizationally open. Personnel will not wear the new rank or insignia unless it can be documented in his papers/Soldbuch!

The New Rekrut:
After completing a probationary period of 3 Tactical events, 1 Training event (Battleschool/aka April event, counts as one event, either 'Tactical' or 'Training'), and successful completion and passing of Kampfgruppe Haase test (on private forum), complete impression/kit, and PAL for rifle deployment. Rekruts are also require to have the correct deportment and motivation, new Rekruts may be granted (at the discretion of the Kdr) the title of Schütze/Grenadier/Flieger in the unit of his choice. The 'Rekrutenzeit' in the Wehrmacht was 16 weeks.

Promotion:
Awaiting an open position/availability, knowledge, ability, and recognized contribution. Promotions are initiated by the Gruppenfuhrer and/or individuals in the Gruppe and passed on to the KHG for approval. All promotions are dependant on the Rekrut passing the KGH testings.

SECTION E: Filed Equipment (0813/81,verbal since 1980)
Your obligation is to acquire first, in sequence:

  1. K98k Rifle 'Gewehr';*
  2. Helmet 'Stahlhelm' - M1935/43 Model;
  3. Black Belt & Buckle 'Koppel und Koppelschloß' of appropriate Gruppe;
  4. Two K98 ammo pouches 'Patronentaschen';
  5. Bayonet & Bayonet Frog 'Seitengewehr';
  6. Uniform: Tunic and Pants 'Feldbluse und Keilhosen'; **
  7. Footwear: Ankle boots 'Schnürschue' w/gaiters 'Gamaschen' and/orJackboots 'Marschstiefel');
  8. Shoulder boards;
  9. Bread bag 'Brotbeutel';
  10. Canteen with cover (Feldflasche);
  11. Y-Straps 'Koppeltraggestell';
  12. Mess tin 'Kochgeschirr';

Optional acquisitions:

  1. Shelter quarter 'Zeltbahn';
  2. Gas Mask canister 'Gasmaske' (gas mask not required);
  3. Mg-ammo box (1998);
  4. "A" Frame 'Stürmgepack' for mounting Equipment;
  5. Field glasses (required for section commanders (Gruppenführer), heavy wpns detachment commanders (MG, mortar);
  6. Machine Gunner's Tool Pouch;
  7. Machine Gun Spare Barrel Carrier;
  8. Map Case (Gruppenführer);
  9. Compass (required for Gruppenführer);
  10. Whistle (required for Gruppenführer);
  11. Goggles;
  12. Flash light;
  13. Gas cape pouch;
  14. Lard/butter container; and
  15. Spork.

Notes:
* Rekruts / unit members are to ensure compliance with new fire arms regulations. All should:  Posses valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or a Possession Only License (POL).  Weapons of any kind are to be legaly authorized and registered in Canada. The risk you take is not yours to offer.
** See uniform regulations

You have committed yourself, have promised to comply, to maintain and improve your and Kampfgruppe Haase appearance. While it will be impossible to acquire original pieces, you may make do. But, take care not to be the worst or the last!

1-Helmet (Stahlhelm) 6-Ankle Gaiters (Gamaschen) 11-Bayonet and frog (Seitengewehr) 16-Breadbag (Brotbeutel)
2-Fieldcap (Feldmütze) 7-Belt (Koppel) 12-Y-Straps (Koppeltraggestell) 17-Gasmask in Canister (Gasmaske)
3-M43 Tunic (Feldbluse) 8-Belt Buckle ( Koppelschloss) 13-E-Tool and carrier (Spaten mit Tasche) 18-Shelter Quarter (Zeltbahn)
4-M42 Trousers (Keilhosen) 9-Ammo Pouches (Patronentaschen) 14-Canteen (Feldflasche) 19-A-Frame Pack (Sturmgepäck)
5-Ankle Boots (Schnürschuhe) 10-K98k Rifle (Gewehr) 15-Mess Kit (Kochgeschirr) 20-Backpack (Rucksack)

  



SECTION F: Combat & Qualification Badges II/1

 Rekruts are not authorized to wear awards, decorations.

Infantry Assault Badge (Das Infantrie-Sturmabzeichen)

  • Historical Background: The Silver Infantry Assault Badge was awarded to enlisted men, officers and NCO’s of Rifle Companies and Mountain Troop Companies. The Infantry Assault badge was instituted on 20 December 1939 to decorate foot infantry who participated in combat action earning a degree of expertise that qualified them for this badge. On 1 June 1940, the Bronze Infantry Assault Badge was instituted for Motorized Infantry Regiments.
  • Silver Award Criteria
    To have taken part in three or more infantry assaults
    To have taken part in three or more infantry counter-attacks
    To have taken part in three or more armed reconnaissance operations
    To have engaged in hand to hand combat in an assault position
    To have participated on three separate days in the restitution of combat positions.
  • Bronze Award Criteria
    To have taken part in three or more motorized infantry assaults
    To have taken part in three or more motorized infantry counter-attacks
    To have taken part in three or more motorized armed reconnaissance operations
    To have engaged in hand to hand combat in a motorized assault position
    To have participated on three separate days in the restitution of motorized combat positions

    Unit Award Criteria
    5 tactical events plus 2 public or training events- these numbers to be accumulated after the member is off recruit status.
    Amended August 2009.

Tank Assault Badge (Das Panzerkampfabzeichen)

  • Historical Background: The Wehrmacht Tank Battle Badge was introduced on 20 December 1939, in order to recognize achievements of Panzer personnel who took part in armoured assaults. On June 6th 1940, a separate class of the badge, in Bronze, was added to recognize the crews of armoured vehicles other than tanks (half tracks, assault guns, reconnaissance crews,etc.)
  • Award Criteria
    To have taken part in three armoured assaults on three different days
    To have been wounded in the course of an assault
    To have earned a bravery decoration in the course of an assault

    Unit Award Criteria
    5 tactical events plus 2 training events, and a basic practical test where the soldier will have to perform simple foot and arms drill and perform effectively as a member of a dismounted infantry section. (Practical test content currently under review).
    Pending Amendment November 2005

 General Assault Badge (Allgemeine Sturmabzeichen)

  • Historical Background: The General Assault Badge was instituted January 1st 1940, and to be awarded to those German soldiers who participated in infantry attacks but were not part of infantry units and therefore did not qualify for the Infantry Assault Badge. The General Assault Badge was presented to engineers, members of the artillery, anti-tank, and anti-tank units that served along with the infantry in the conduct of the assault. Also eligible were medical personnel who treated battlefield wounded.
  • Award Criteria
    The recipient must not be eligible for the Infantry Assault Badge
    To have taken part in three infantry or armoured assaults on three different days
    To have taken part in three infantry or armoured indirect assaults on three different days
    To have been wounded while fulfilling the second or third requirement
    To have earned a decoration while fulfilling the second or third requirement.

    Unit Award Criteria
    5 tactical events plus 2 training events, and a basic practical test where the soldier will have to perform simple foot and arms drill and perform effectively as a member of a dismounted infantry section. (Practical test content currently under review).
    Amdended November 2005

 Ground Assault Badge (Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe)

  • Historical Background: The Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge was instituted 31 March 1942 to honour the Air Force personnel that took part in ground military actions. Individuals who were previously awarded the General Assault, Infantry Assault, or Tank Assault Badge, exchanged them for this badge.

    Award Criteria
    Involvement in three separate engagements on separate days
    Being wounded in an engagement
    Being awarded a decoration in an engagement
    Paratroops and Assault Gun crews could also receive this award provided they met the above criteria.

    Unit Award Criteria
    5 tactical events plus 2 training events, and a basic practical test where the soldier will have to perform simple foot and arms drill and perform effectively as a member of a dismounted infantry section. (Practical test content currently under review).
    Amended November 2005

Wound Badge 1939 (Vewundeten-Abzeichen)

  • Historical Background: Instituted to recognize individuals who were wounded in action with the enemy.
  • Award Criteria
    The Black Wound Badge was awarded for one or two wounds.
    The Silver Wound Badge was awarded for three or four wounds. It could also be awarded for serious wounds if such a wound included loss of hearing, a hand, a foot, an eye, brain damage, or facial disfigurement.
    The Gold Wound Badge was awarded for five or more wounds and was also awarded for serious wounds in the case of total blindness or total disability.
     
  • Unit Award Criteria
    Black Wound Badge, medical attention without hospitalization
    Silver Wound Badge, medical attention with hospitalization\
    Gold Wound Badge, not currently awarded within unit
    Amended November 2005
    Severity of the wound will determine the grade based on unit headquarters recommendations
    Submissions for this award must be approved by an 80% majorrity vote from unit headquarters.

Special Badge for the Single Handed Destruction of a Tank Badge
(Das Sonderabzeichen fur das Niederkampfen von Panzer-kampfwagen usw. Durch Einzenlkampfer)

  • Historical Background: The tank destruction badge was instituted on 9 March 1942 to honour individually destroyed enemy tanks with hand held explosives. Anti-tank units were not eligible for this award. This badge was retroactive
  • Unit Award Criteria
    Destruction of an enemy tank by hand held weapon
    Approved by KgH 2004 Chesley

Close Combat Bar (Die Nahkampfspange)

  • Historical Background: The Close Combat Bar was instituted 25 November 1942 in order to recognize the courage of the German soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Since it had different criteria, this award was completely independent of the Infantry Assault Badge.
  • Award Criteria
    The badge was presented based on the number of combat days as follows:
    Bronze Class for fifteen combat days
    Silver Class for thirty combat days
    Gold Class for fifty combat days

    Criteria for a combat day was as follows: All combat days in which the soldier had the opportunity to be close enough to “see the whites of the enemy’s eyes”, use close combat weapons to assault the enemy man-to-man and be victorious. Days in which the soldier was part of a major attack or assault, reconnaissance attack or defense of a position

    The initial combat days were established taking in count the uninterrupted time of engagement on the Eastern front since 22 June 1941, or in Africa since 26 March 1943
    • 15 months = 15 combat days
    • 12 months = 10 combat days
    • 8 months = 5 combat days
  • Unit Award Criteria
    The Kampfgruppe wil award the bronze Nahkampfspange after 50 tactical events; Silver Nahkampfspange will be awarded after 75 tactical events; and Gold Nahkampfspange will be awarded after 100 tactical events. Each recognized tactical event will count as one credit regardless of distance or duration. Public displays, airshows and movies will not be credited towards this award. The Kg battle schools include a tactical event and will be credited.
    Approved by KgH 2007

The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz)

  • Historical Background: It’s tradition dates back to 1813, when King Friedrich Wilheim III of Prussia first instituted it during the War of Liberation against Napoleon. It was reinstituted in 1870 for the Franco Prussian War and again in 1914 for the First World War. With the September 1st 1939 restitution order, four grades were implemented: Iron Cross Second Class, Iron Cross First Class, Knights Cross to the Iron Cross and Grand Cross to the Iron Cross.

    The Iron Cross was awarded not only for bravery in the face of the enemy, but also for successful war planning and general merit. It was presented to all branches of the Wehrmacht and originally meant only for bravery in combat action.
  • Award Criteria
    The criteria for the award of the Iron Cross Second Class was a single act of bravery in the face of the enemy, or actions that were clearly above and beyond the call of duty.
    In order to receive the Iron Cross First Class men would have to perform three or four further acts of courage from one that earned him the Second Class.
  • Unit Award Criteria
    EK II. Unit headquarters recommendation for accumulation of awards, impression, deportment and above all leadership
    Approved by KgH 2004 Chesley
    EK I. Criteria and issue under review

War Merit Cross with Swords Second Class (Kriegsverdienst Kreuz mit Schwerte 2. Klasse)

  • Historical Background: The War Merit Cross was instituted on 18 October 1939 and to be presented to those whose actions were to be deemed in the furtherance of the war effort but not directly involved in military operations. It was also presented to military personnel for bravery not necessarily in the face of the enemy.

    Award Criteria
    The War Merit Cross was awarded to those members of the Wehrmacht who furthered the war effort, or showed bravery outside of direct combat in such a way that fell short of the Iron Cross Second Class.
  •  Unit Award Criteria
    Awarded by the unit headquarters to the individuals that have performed services for the unit that go above and beyond the call of duty.
    Amended November 2005
    Submissions for this award must be approved by an 80% majorrity vote from unit headquarters. Nominations will be submitted by section commanders.

Paratrooper Badge

  • Historical Background: Instituted 5 November 1936. On April 1, 1935, the Landespolizeigruppe General Göring was redesignated Regiment General Göring, becoming a part of the Luftwaffe until 23 Sep 1935.  Parts of this unit (I. Jäger-Bataillon/RGG and 15. Pionier-Kompanie/RGG) were transferred to Döberitz Jan 1936 for parachute training.  These troops were to be the cadre of the future German paratroopers and were separated from the unit March 1938. In order to recognize these daredevil pioneers, the Paratrooper Badge was instituted on November 5, 1936 by the Reichsminister der Luftwaffe and Oberbefelschaber der Luftwaffe.
  • Award Criteria
    Qualification T.B.D.
  •  Unit Award Criteria
    Actual parachute decent
    As appropriate for impression

Winter Battle in the East Medal (Winterschacht im Osten 1941/1942)

  • Historical Background: Commonly know as “Ostmedaille” this award was introduced on the 26th of May 1942 to recognize those who participated in the first winter of Operation Barbarossa. The Eastern Medal was to commemorate those who endured the freezing and challenging months.
  • Award Criteria
    The award was presented to those who met the following criteria during 15 November 1941 and 26 April 1942.
    • Fourteen days of combat operations
    • Sixty days of service in the combat zone
    • Having received wounds or frostbite severe enough to warrant a Wound Badge.
  • Unit Award Criteria
    3 winter events
    May incorporate up to 1 credit based on overnight camping under conditions of hardship for example sub zero weather conditions.

Crete Cuff Title (Das Ärmelband Kreta)

  • Historical Background: The Cuff Title was instituted 16 October 1942, about five months following the conclusion of the battle. The Kreta Cuff Title was authorized for wear by all branches of the Wehrmacht for those members who met the qualification.
  • Award Criteria
    Participation in a parachute or glider assault on Crete between the 20th and 27th of May 1940
    Participated in air operations over Crete
    Participated in operations at sea around the island before 28 May 1942. This include Heer/Army personnel that were delivered to the island by boat 19 May 1942

    Unit Award Criteria
    Canadian or US Military parachute qualification
    Approved by KgH 2004 Chesley 

Africa Cufftitle (Das Ärmelband Afrika)

  • Historical Background: The Africa cufftitle was instituted 15 January 1943 as a campaign award and authorized for wear by all branches of the Wehrmacht for those members who met the qualification.
  • Award Criteria
    At least six months service on African soil was required
    Being wounded in combat in the North African theatre
    Contraction of an illness while in the North African theatre of war, which demanded evacuation to the continent. Service was required for at least three months before contradiction of the illness, under these circumstances.
    It was permitted to be worn on the uniform, on the continent, when a DAK member was on leave there. He was permitted to wear his tropical uniform plus cufftitle, during the summer months only, when on leave on the continent.

    Unit Award Criteria
    Three tactical events under desert conditions
    Pending amendment 2005

Any award bearing the HOHEITS-ABZEICHEN DER WEHRMACHT, obliges the wearer, a Kampfgruppe Haase-member, faultless deportment and to lead (by example) and teach others in Kampfgruppe Haase about things that are Wehrmacht.

SECTION G: Procedures for Submission/Presentation of Awards

Awards are based upon credits given as stated in reports of events just completed. Reports are to be submitted through the unit chain of command. Points of note on such events can be: Long and steady membership, exceptional leadership, military deportment, knowledge and service, etc.

Special requests and RECOMMENDATIONS for awards and promotions do not have to be made on official forms. But should contain all critical information: Channels – Section commanders (Gruppenführer) recommendatio/witnesses/description of action - etc.

 Documentation: It is the section commander and each members own responsibility to assure his papers (Soldbuch) are in order and up to date.

SECTION H: Kampfgruppe Haase Uniform Regulations
An area of great concern, an acquisition problem for most of us. We therefore establish: "Do as well as you can and improve it constantly!"

Swedish Conversions, are an acceptable alternative, and is authorized as a temporary starter set for a period not to exceed one year .

High quality reproduction uniforms are now available from many suppliers. They use the same materials and stitching etc. and are difficult to distinguish from originals. A list of addresses of such suppliers is available separately through the chain of command. Uniform acquisition (tunic, trouser and soft hat) should not be undertaken until potential Rekruts show definate interest are receive approval to do so from the chain of command. In the absence of proper Quarter-Master and logistical support, all attempts should be made by the unit (and its members) to pool resources and to kit out “first timers” at given events.

Proper specification of uniform to be acquired for proper impression should be addressed by rekruts to their sponsor or section commander for proper advice. Before purchasing your first uniform or replacing an older one check with your Gruppenführer, before you spend your money on something not permitted to be worn. Seek out reproduction uniforms, they are less expensive.

Choice of one of the approved Kampfgruppe Haase impressions, is left to the discretion of joining members, but must be discussed with unit sponsor, Gruppenführer if required unit Kommandeur. Selection on an impression should be determine as soon as possible so efforts acquiring equipment can be started with minimum delay. Choice of impression may be started prior to the end of the probation period with the unit Kommandeur’s approval.

You may have to step aside and accept an inferior role, if necessary, in order not to effect negatively the image of Kampfgruppe Haase. To avoid Demerits on an event, just make sure that you are not the last in quality of uniform and accoutrements.

We are striving to portray the standard Landser and not the exception. If it's very unique, we will consider the uniform on an individual basis for demonstration purposes. We focus on the period 1943 - 1945, aim to acquire and maintain the highest standard possible. An appearance that will foster a sense of dedication, responsibility and pride in knowing that Kampfgruppe Haase gives an impression equalled by few surpassed by none.

It is the responsibility of the Unteroffizier to insure that all impressions comply with our aim.

 We recognize Field and Garrison Uniforms (camouflage and uniform).  En detail: In the Wehrmacht had Feld=, Dienst=, Wach=, Parade=, Melde=, Ausgeh=, & Sport-dress. The difference is mainly in the accoutrement. Trousers should be suspendered, belted is acceptable as long as the tunic is worn. They can be of Wool and Heringbone Twill(HBT-summer). The cut can be of M-1936, M-1941, M-1943. M-1943 trousers were mostly straight, not tapered.

HBT's, were generally fatigues, M-1941 and M-1943 patterns, are acceptable until the correct uniform can be procured.

Camouflage was for the Wehrmacht not an internationally recognized Uniform! We accept it, as battle dress at the Kommanduers discretion.

Caps and Helmets should be worn squared on the head. Soft caps may be slightly tilted. Both should not be pushed back on the head. Helmets will be worn by all combatants.

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SECTION I: Behaviour (Benehmen, Reibert 1943, p 86)

Attention, respect, and modesty towards parents, teachers, and betters are already common sense for any German. Without these old fasioned values a teaching and training situation are especially in the military environment unthinkable.

In general the demanded attention and respect towards the superior paid by the subordinate is nothing extra ordinary, and of any well raised joung person an obvious politness together with tact in military forms. The more the soldier regards these things, the better will be the impresssion that he leaves about himself and his unit.

Addressing the Superior:

  1. "Mein Fuehrer" - “Herr Feldmarschall" - Generals, any rank: "Herr General"
  2. Any staff officers of navy: "Herr Kapitän"
  3. Superior ranks, Wehrmacht: "Herr (rank) "

Superior ranks, Waffen-SS: "Sturmbannfuehrer" (For Waffen-SS gruppen, the “Herr --- was been dropped as a remova and distancing from old Prussian Nobility). Abbreviation especially in the Waffen-SS are tolerated and used in combat, should not be used without consent, nor used on official docoments.

Never, using the German language, just address superiors, with the German "Sie" without the preceding rank.

Talking with your Superior:

  1. Stand at attention! Answer in short and complete sentences without complicated phrases of civilian politness. In general, answer only, when asked and be silent if the superior interrupts you. In the place of "Ja" use "Jawohl - Herr Leutnant!"
  2. If you are called, you answer: "Hier, Herr (rank)!" and approach him using the shortest possible route, without forcing yourself through the ranks: from the 2nd and 3rd rank make a left about face. At a distance of three yards, Gewehr ab, at attention you await further orders from our superiors. On being dismissed you make an about face. Failing to get a "Dismissed!", you may ask: "Herr (rank) - any additional orders for me?"
  3. If you receive an order, you will automatically repeat it verbatim and carry it out accordingly. First 3 steps 'on-the-double', or until you are out of sight. On failing to understand: "Herr (rank) please say again the order".

Deportment with your Superior:

  1. You accompany your superior on his left side. With more subordinates in a group, unless otherwise ordered, the superior walks in the centre of them.
  2. Approaching the office of your superior, your uniform should be without fault or blemish. You will address:  "(Heer rank) (rank)our name, wishes to talk to Herr (rank) in an urgent leave matter".
  3. If you want to talk to the Feldwebel present in the room with the Hauptmann, you have to address: "Herr Hauptmann, permission to talk to Herr Feldwebel".
  4. On stairs and narrow gangways you give room to superiors. If you have to pass them while they are moving slowly or even standing: "Herr (rank), permission to pass".
  5. While the superior is present loud distracting discussions and other subjects should be respectfully avoided.
  6. If the superior offers you a zigar or saluts you with a drink, you should not use the usual superficial civilian type politness, no need to bow, to accept with thanks. A straight deportment with a firm handshake and a short "Danke, Herr (rank)", is suficient and military.
  7. Trust is the foundation of obedience! You should approach your supeior with any problem you may have. He will find a way to help you.
  8. In the traffic with civilians you will be considered and helpfull specially to the aged, women, and invalides.
  9. Personal reports and applications you direct verbally to your Unteroffizier. Written ones go through channels! You report any of your personal changes: Promotions - sickness - leave granted - inability to participate - claims for citations!
  10. Off duty you behave yourself also. Foreigners will observe you critically any negative impression will also fall onto your unit whose honour you've promised to protect.
  11. Avoid traffic violations, brawls etc - Keep your uniform faultless.

Saluting (Ehrenbezeigungen, Reibert 1943, p 96)

Walking past: Salute 6 steps before and 2 afterwards.

Form of Salute:

  1. Wehrmacht: Military salute: Half way between the U.S. and the British form.
  2. Waffen-SS: Der Deutsche Grusz: Right arm streched forward, fingertips in hight of eyes, this will not be given.

Note: After July 20, 1944: All parts of the Wehrmacht, incl. Waffen-SS: Der Deutsche Grusz. However, because of its political significance, the Deutsche Grusz is prohibited by all arms within Kampfgruppe Haase. The military salute requires the wearing of headdress.

Obligation to Salute

  1. All Soldiers salute their superiors: Sergeants, Officers, Majors, Generals.
  2. All Soldiers and Sergeants salute their superiors: Officers, Majors, Generals.
  3. All sergeants and officers in and out of uniform are superiors.

Your personal form while saluting:

  1. Walking past with straight deportment
  2. Stand at attention
  3. Sit straight

Mess Halls:

Inside, mess halls etc. salute, Feldmuetze off, hold in the left hand, liner to the body, and with the right hand at the position of Stillgestanden. (Historically the Deutschegrusz would be given, it will not be authorized within the unit.)

At dinner, if possible the subordinates should raise. He who sees a superior first has to warn the highest or oldest of his Kamerads, so he can command: "Achtung! - to report to Herr Major - Augen rechts!" "Herr (superior’s rank), (your rank) Schmidt mit 4 Kameraden on off-duty relaxation and in conversations."

Marching Columns:

  1. Salute of a marching column, on command: "Achtung!" Parade step!
  2. "Augen - rechts!" to "Im Gleichschritt!" eyes front.
  3. Only the leader of the column salutes. The same if the unit is at rest, or in action like positioning a gun, setting up encampment, only the leader salutes.

Countering a salute is obligatory to equal ranks. The lower one should be ahead of the older one.


SECTION J: Kampfgruppe Organization
On meeting, everybody "reports" to everybody else. When the higher rank arrives, he receives a report from the next in rank. Then, later Grenadiers will have to report to the higher rank. On historical time, the next higher rank was the sergeant. In our Gruppe, we have as the next higher rank in this sequence:

Grenadier, Gefreiter /SS-Sturmmann, Obergefreiter/SS-Rottenführer - Unteroffizier/SS-Unterscharführer, SS-Hauptscharführer/Hauptmann.

This means a Grenadier reports to another Grenadier. As soon as a Gefreiter is present, the Grenadier then has to report to the Gefreiter. As the Unteroffizier arrives he gets the report from his highest ranking or oldest Grenadier as to who is present, and who arrived late.

On the presence of only one of the Unterführer all soldiers report to either the Unteroffizier or the SS-Unterscharführer. When both are present, Grenadiers report to their proper Unterführer/Gruppenführer.

On command of the Hauptscharführer the Unterführer of the Waffen-SS, Heer, and Luftwaffe report their Mannschaft  men to him and he in turn reports Zug strength and spezial attributes, recommendations, etc. to the Kommandeur


SECTION K: Forms/Records /Administration/Paperwork

It shall be each soldiers own responsibility to asure the accuracy of his papers: Soldbuch. Keep it up to date! Get help from your Gruppenführer or Truppenführer.

With Kampfgruppe Haase growing, its present size a possible 1:50, 'FORMS / RECORDS' may be of assistance, a guide to record and easier justification of promotions and awards. We can no longer remember the status of every one. It will now, as it should be in everyone's own interest and duty towards the unit, to keep his papers and Soldbuch up to date. Failing thus, each is hereby reprimanded.

Not wearing ones awarded decoration, or not showing the rank bestowed and paying tribute to it, can be considered disobedience or down right an insult to the unit and what it stands for. Forfeiture should result if necessary.

You can refuse a promotion, which should entail additional responsibilities, but once accepted, you owe it to the spirit of our unit and endeavour, to live up to it, to the best of your ability.

A Kennkarte (identity card) will not be issued by the Kampfgruppe.

Submitting the "REQUEST AUF ANNAHME" (acceptance) the Applicant shall receive in turn a "ANNAHMESCHEIN". It will identify him as a Rekrut of Haase untill the issue of his SOLDBUCH.

The Soldbuch (pay book) used to be the permanent record of payments the soldier received from units he served in. Waffen-SS Gruppe: It was also an identity document showing the owners Blutgruppe (blood group) and the address of his next of kin.

Replacement of Soldbuchs

A replacement will be issued if every attempt has been made to locate the lost one, or if the present one is tattered or water- and sweat-logged.

Related Kampfguppe Forms: NF-101, ECP/ACT Record. NF-102 Recommendation for Award. NF-102a, Request for a Veteran's Recognition Award; NF-103, Recommendation for Promotion